"Ryan earned it for his consistent hard work and he just really practiced especially hard yesterday," said head coach Mike Sanford. "Mafi had a great day on Thursday, now we need to see him follow that up with another great day and another. If he can get his consistency down, he will help us this season."

At the end of the 22-period early session, three newcomers had the honor of getting their rookie red stripes removed from their helmets before addressing the team huddle.

While Herring is expected to spend '09 learning behind vets Clayton and Mike Clausen (Riverside, CA/John W. North HS), JC transfers Grant (a junior) and Dunlap (a sophomore) will vie for immediate playing time this fall.

"Mike Grant had two interceptions today (including a pick-six off Clayton) and is competing hard," said Sanford. "He wasn't with us in the spring so he is still learning about how to perform day after day but he is right in the middle of things back there. Dunlap is a guy who has three years of eligibility and is working on helping us in the interior of our defensive line."